Atlanta’s highly esteemed fundraising event, the UNCF’s Masked Ball, took place in 2023. Playing host to the event were distinguished figures such as Mayor Andre Dickens, Andrew Young, Maurice E. Jenkins (Executive VP of UNCF), Therese Badon (Senior VP of UNCF), and Justine Boyd (Assistant VP of UNCF). This year commemorates the grand gala’s 40th anniversary, originally inaugurated in 1983 by Andrew Young and Billye Aaron. The primary objective of this event is to raise awareness regarding the paramount significance of higher education and provide unwavering support to the exceptional students of the UNCF.

There are currently 18 other cities that host similar ceremonies. This prestigious gala also pays homage to the esteemed Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that have been achieving groundbreaking milestones since 1944. Upon arrival, handpicked guests were cordially invited to attend the exclusive VIP reception held on the lower level of the Atrium at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Sponsors were granted access to a private room where they had the privilege of capturing memorable moments through photos with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and the President of the UNCF, Dr. Michael Lomax.

Spotted in the ballroom was The Super Lawyer Reginald A. Green and his beautiful wife Zyaire Greene, Q Parker and Sharlinda Parker, Ronnie Devoe and Shamari Devoe, Dolapoe Erinkitola, Sam Burston, Mimi Johnson, Commissioner Natalie Hall District 4, and a host of other Atlanta celebrities and taste-makers.

The grand procession commenced precisely at 7pm, captivating the audience as they entered the resplendent ballroom. Gracing the event as the esteemed title sponsor, UPS, along with influential brands such as Nike, Google, Coca Cola, Georgia Power, Delta Airlines, Edward Jones, City of Atlanta Watershed, and many others, were announced one by one, filling the air with anticipation. Radiant in her role as the evening’s emcee, WSB-TV news anchor Karyn Greer welcomed everyone with open arms, setting the stage for a truly enchanting night. The crowd erupted in applause as Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens took center stage, igniting the energy in the room. With gracious words, Mayor Andre Dickens acknowledged the esteemed presence of Dr. Michael Lomax, the President of UNCF, and the illustrious Ambassador Andrew Young, adding an extra touch of prestige to the already magical atmosphere.

A video recording was presented to the audience featuring Ms. Billye Aaron, who expressed her profound regret for not being able to attend the event in person. She conveyed that she was in Las Vegas, accepting an esteemed award on behalf of her late husband, the renowned Hank Aaron. Despite her immense gratitude for the millions of dollars that had been raised over the years, Ms. Aaron voiced her utmost aspiration for the future: to raise $5 million in a single year. Mayor Dickens proudly announced, “I am delighted to announce that we have successfully raised over $2.3 million for this evening, setting a new record as the highest amount ever raised in the history of the United Negro College Fund.”

The event raised over $3 million in total. UPS contributed $1 million at the end of the night. It was an amazing evening with a fantastic live performance by Stephanie Mills. She sang some classic songs like “Home,” “A Rush on Me,” and “Never Knew Love Like This.” It was a nostalgic experience for the crowd.